Discover Rechtsupweg: Mills, Church and Village Traditions

In Rechtsupweg, mill history, church architecture and village traditions meet a former moorland community with a dispersed settlement pattern. The different themes offer various ways to explore the place: from its settlement history and distinctive buildings to its annual festival and animal park.

Moorland History and Mills

Rechtsupweg is a former moorland community whose settlement pattern is characterised by dispersed settlement. The history of the place also includes the beginning of settlement: the first peat colonist settled in Rechtsupweg in 1769; six more followed in 1770 and are collectively regarded as the founders of the place. The two years make the early course of settlement concrete: the first settler was followed by six more the very next year.

The Rechtsupweg mill was built in 1926 as a single-storey gallery Dutch windmill with a tailpole. It is privately owned and slated for restoration. Its year of construction and design provide a specific reference point for the history of milling, while the planned restoration also reflects the mill’s present status.

The stump of the former windmill in Rechtsupweg is a listed monument.

St. John’s Church: Design and Art

St. John’s Church was consecrated on the third Sunday of Advent in 1964. The rectangular, brick-clad reinforced-concrete frame building was constructed in 1963/64 to plans by the architect Gerald Marquardt from Norden. The construction period and consecration date mark two distinct stages in the church’s history.

Its artistic details include abstract stained-glass windows by Max Hermann from Oldenburg. The church also features an abstract brick mosaic on the altar wall entitled “The Heavenly Jerusalem”. The stained-glass windows and mosaic offer two specific motifs that help describe the church’s design.

Village Traditions and Wildlife

The “Döschkefest” is held annually in the village and market square in the centre of Rechtsupweg. Traditional handicrafts can be viewed at the festival. As the current programme may vary, check the festival dates and activities before your trip.

Another attraction is the animal park in Rechtsupweg. It is home to petting animals, birds, llamas, monkeys and many other animals. The animals on view may change. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are particularly interested in the history of the buildings and village, festival traditions or wildlife.

Natural and Cultural Landscape in the Wider Travel Destination of Aurich

In the wider travel destination of Aurich, the Fehntjer Tief Nature Conservation Station is an out-of-school learning centre for environmental education, as well as a place for community activities and public outreach. It is committed to preserving the natural and cultural landscape of “Fehntjer Tief”. This regional focus complements Rechtsupweg’s local and architectural history with environmental education and landscape conservation.

In spring and summer, schoolchildren and visitors can experience the plant and bird life in the wet meadows of Fehntjer Tief on walking or cycling tours. The station includes a listed Gulfhaus, a typical East Frisian farmhouse dating from 1843. This gives you something to weigh up when planning your trip: should your stay focus mainly on Rechtsupweg’s mills, church and village traditions, or would you also like to include the natural and cultural landscape in the wider travel destination of Aurich?

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hinte, Wrisse, Hage, Großefehn, Norden, Aurich, Wirdum, Halbemond.

Back to the wider travel guide: Aurich.